Useful next calculations
When to use this calculator
- Before choosing between saving, investing or changing a contribution.
- When you want to compare cautious, base and optimistic return assumptions.
- When you need a projection before making a longer-term decision.
- When you want to see whether starting earlier or contributing more changes the outcome more.
A worked example
These are the example figures the calculator opens with.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Super Balance at Retirement (A$) | A$500,000 |
| Retirement Age | 67 |
| Annual Withdrawal (A$) | A$40,000 |
| Expected Annual Return (%) | 5% |
For those figures the calculator returns:
- Balance lasts until age: 82.00
- Years super lasts: 15.00
- Balance at age 80: A$108,593.71
- Balance at age 90: A$0.00
- 4% safe withdrawal rate: A$20,000.00
- Age pension supplement: A$0.00
Common mistakes
- Using an assumption that is not supported by a current local quote, bill, statement or official source.
- Treating a generic estimate as a lender, provider, payroll or tax authority decision.
- Mixing monthly and annual inputs without converting them consistently.
- Testing only one scenario instead of checking how a cautious assumption changes the result.
What to do next
- Run a second scenario with a cautious assumption so you can see the downside clearly.
- Compare the result with the related calculators below before making a decision.
- Check current local rules, eligibility and provider terms before applying or committing money.
- Keep a record of the assumptions so you can update the estimate when a quote, bill or pay figure changes.
Questions people ask
The Australian Government sets minimum annual drawdown rates for account-based pensions. From age 60 to 64 the minimum is 4%, rising to 5% from age 65 to 74, 6% from 75 to 79, 7% from 80 to 84, 9% from 85 to 89, 11% from 90 to 94, and 14% at 95 and over. These percentages are applied to your balance at 1 July each year. During COVID the government temporarily halved these rates; check the ATO website for any current relief measures.